Canadians step up to give blood after fire at Alberta military base kills four

WAINWRIGHT – Canadian Blood Services says it has been “deeply moved” by a surge in public support following a deadly fire at a military base in Wainwright, Alta.

The non-profit reported Monday that it saw a fourfold increase in the number of appointment bookings for blood donations on Sunday.

Close to a dozen people were at the Edmonton Canadian Blood Services branch at opening Monday morning. Some had appointments booked before the fire, while others rushed to claim spots that were quickly being filled. 

Michael Harper said he arrived Monday morning hoping they would take his donation as a walk-in appointment. Harper said he was an army reservist and his unit served in the same armoury as Sgt. Morgan Wong — one of soldiers who died in Saturday’s fire. 

“I left the forces in 2022, and at this stage I feel that the best thing I can do right now is come to donate some blood and just show my support,” Harper said.

Harper said he’d done field exercises and training courses at CFB Wainwright in the past. 

While he didn’t know Wong well, Harper said the sting of the news is still there. 

“The Forces being as close-knit as it is, it does hurt when you hear that some people that you knew or even just people that serve are affected or hurt. I just want to do what I can here.”

Rachel Glendenning, an RCMP officer, said she booked her appointment Sunday night and loves that people are coming out to show their support this way. She said she used to be a regular donor, but hadn’t for a few years and this is a good reminder to get back in the habit.

The need for blood hit home for Nicole Strong, who said her brother needed blood transfusions “many years ago” after he lost a limb in a workplace accident.

“That’s why I’m here. My heart just goes out to everyone that’s affected by this,” she said.

“When I went on yesterday to make the appointment (9 a.m.) this was the only available appointment left.”

Canadian Blood Services said Monday Alberta and Saskatchewan saw the strongest surge in public interest in blood donations. Donation events in those provinces are almost fully booked over the next few days, the non-profit said.

It said the public’s response to the crisis demonstrates Canadians’ “generosity” and “the importance of maintaining a strong, prepared blood system.”

“One of the most meaningful ways people can help is by booking and keeping donation appointments in the days and weeks ahead,” it said in an email, adding that “maintaining a healthy blood supply is an ongoing effort and donations made in the coming weeks will be just as important as those made today.”

Canadian Blood Services said it’s continuing to monitor the needs of patients and hospitals in Alberta and will work with health system partners to ensure those needs are met.

Defence officials have said 84 members of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry were in a training area of CFB Wainwright, southeast of Edmonton, when a fire struck on Saturday.

Strong winds sent flames from a nearby grass fire racing across the Prairie landscape, killing four and sending 39 to hospital, 19 in critical condition.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Sunday many of the injured have serious burns.

The fire claimed the lives of Sgt. Morgan Wong of Edmonton, Pte. Shaun Farrell of Prince Albert, Sask., Pte. Aidan Goulding of North Vancouver and Pte. Hayden Lykkemark of Langley, B.C.

Canadian Blood Services said in a statement Sunday that those who want to help by donating blood are encouraged to do so in the coming days and weeks.

Defence Minister David McGuinty said people have been lining up to donate blood, bring meals to first responders and open their homes to those grieving.

In an August blog post on treatment of burn victims after wildfires, U.S.-based The Blood Connection said plasma in donated blood can help prevent clotting, regulate blood pressure and balance a patient’s fluids.

It says over the first 24 hours after a patient is burned, fluid leaks rapidly from damaged or burned blood vessels into surrounding tissues, causing blood pressure to drop.

“In the following days, as the body attempts to repair itself, plasma may also be introduced to stabilize blood vessel walls and return the body’s blood pressure to normal,” The Blood Connection said. “For patients who experience hemorrhaging, plasma is vital to ensure that bloods clot, and internal bleeding doesn’t become life-threatening.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 19, 2026.

— With files from Alessia Passafiume in Ottawa